A Season Defined by Hard Work and Teamwork
The Portsmouth Abbey Ravens have once again proved their mettle on the ice, capturing the Eastern Independent League (EIL) Girls Ice Hockey Championship in a season that defied expectations. Following a stretch of seasons with significant graduation losses—12, 11, and 10 players over the last three years—the 2024-25 campaign had the potential to be a rebuilding year. However, the Ravens instead leaned into their work ethic and teamwork, transforming adversity into triumph.
"The engine behind any team is work ethic and teamwork," said the Ravens' coach. "This group could have approached the season with a rebuilding mindset, but instead, they committed to working hard every day and came together as a team."
Overcoming Adversity: Injuries and the 'Next Person Up' Mentality
No championship journey is without challenges, and for Portsmouth Abbey, injuries tested the team's resilience. From nagging injuries to season-ending setbacks, the roster was frequently in flux. Yet, instead of allowing these obstacles to derail their season, the Ravens embraced a ‘next person up’ mentality, with younger players stepping into key roles and making meaningful contributions.
"Every team deals with injuries, but this season we were especially hard hit," the coach explained. "The younger players stepped up to provide much-needed minutes, and that made a huge difference in our success."
Leadership and Locker Room Chemistry: Keys to Motivation
Through the inevitable highs and lows of the season, Portsmouth Abbey relied on its leadership group to maintain focus and motivation. The coaching staff emphasized the importance of culture and camaraderie, ensuring that the team remained unified through tough stretches.
"I leaned on our leadership group to not only maintain the culture but to keep the team focused and working hard," the coach noted. "They are a fantastic group, and there’s no question we made it through the difficult parts of the season because of their leadership and the chemistry in the room."
A Defining Turning Point
Like many prep teams, Portsmouth Abbey faced early challenges as they found their rhythm. With minimal practice time before the first stretch of games, the team typically finds its stride after the holiday break. This year, however, a pivotal moment came as key players began returning from injury, bringing a much-needed boost to the lineup.
"The start of the prep season is always tough," the coach said. "By the time we returned from Christmas break, systems were in place, lines and defensive pairings had settled, and new players had acclimated. But this year, the turning point was when we started getting some of our injured players back."
Individual Contributions in a Team-Oriented Success
Despite being labeled a "rebuild year," the Ravens boasted a talented core of young players who were instrumental in securing the EIL title. One standout performer was Brooke Marston (F, Class of 2027), who registered 16 goals, 18 assists, and 34 total points en route to being named EIL Player of the Year.
"The result of graduation numbers over the last three seasons meant we had a younger team," the coach said. "But these players rose to the challenge and were instrumental to our success."
A Championship Legacy Continues
Portsmouth Abbey’s championship run serves as a testament to the power of resilience, teamwork, and leadership. In what could have been a transition year, the Ravens instead reinforced their status as an elite program in the EIL, setting the foundation for future success.
With a core of rising stars and a culture built on hard work, the Ravens’ championship story is just the latest chapter in what looks to be a bright future for Portsmouth Abbey Girls Ice Hockey.
